Together with their families,
you are invited to the Lowcountry
to celebrate the wedding of
Ansley Eller and Sascha Neumann
on Saturday, April 17th, 2027
at five o'clock in the afternoon
at First African Baptist Church
in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Ok, here's the plan...
(Schedule of Events)
First, we get hitched.
Saturday, April 17th, 2027 at 5:00 PM at First African Baptist Church.
With the Reverend Alexander McBride officiating, expect to hear the Good Word, teary vows, and "I-do's." Dress is formal attire. Young'uns under seven (and any older rascals prone to disrupting the Lord's business) are kindly asked to sit out the ceremony; the couple has arranged for sitters to be at the church. Finally, leave them phones in your pockets lest you incur the wrath of Reverend McBride, or worse, THE bride.
Then we have us a ball.
Immediately following the ceremony at Old Bay Marketplace.
Just a half-mile stroll or a short drive from the church, this indoor loft and adjoining rooftop overlook historic Bay St., so you can dress for the soirée, not the weather. Expect an evening of feasting, imbibing, speech-giving, cake-cutting, and, most importantly, cuttin' a rug. Henceforth, feel free to turn phones, kiddos, and yourselves on loud mode.
Y'all come on down.
(Travel Recommendations)
How to get to there,
Fly into Savannah and drive an hour north up to Beaufort.
In case you're not coming from Savannah, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is a great little airport to fly into (and out of). You'll need to grab a rental car and head north along the scenic Okatie Highway, and you'll be there in an hour or so. As for parking, you'll find plenty of street parking downtown which is paid near Bay St and free if you're willing to hoof it.
and where to stay.
Stay at The Beaufort Inn or at least somewhere downtown.
The bride, groom, and their families will be calling The Beaufort Inn home for the weekend, and guests are warmly encouraged to join them. A stone's throw away from the ceremony, reception, and Bay St, The Beaufort Inn offers historic rooms, charming cottages, and verdant courtyards. Discounted accommodations are available through February 16, 2027.* If you choose elsewhere, stay close to downtown - you won’t need your car all weekend.
* Please check back after Friday, November 6 for details on how to book at The Beaufort Inn.
So why Beaufort?
(Things to Do)
Well, some say Beaufort is where the couple fell in love.
Ansley and Sascha are hoping ya'll could experience why Beaufort just so happened to be the perfect setting for the start of their love story. After Ansley invited Sascha on his first visit, he exclaimed, “How have I not been here yet?!” The couple hopes their guests will leave wondering the very same thing. Founded in 1711 and known as the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands", Beaufort is a concentrated exemplar of everything the Lowcountry has to offer: Spanish Moss draped Live Oaks, buildings bearing history dating back to colonial times, inescapable water front... all walkable within downtown. Despite the small-town vibe, Beaufort punches above it's weight with quite a bunch to do while you're in town:
Caffeinate then sugar crash at Herban Market.
They freeze cold brew ice cubes to put in their cold brew and genuinely have the best baked goods in the Lowcountry. Need more be said? They also have healthy, vegan stuff too if you're into that sort of thing. Be sure to walk there along Bay St. for a stunning view of the water.
Drink in the sun at Hunting Island State Park Beach.
Within a state park and littered with felled trees from Hurricane Matthew, this beach still belongs to nature. Depending on how far you want to walk, you can choose between a beach party vibe or feel like you've been marooned on an island. It's about a thirty minute drive from downtown Beaufort, $8 per person to get in, and offers plenty of parking. Oh, and there's a neat lighthouse.
Try to find the "Big Chill" House but get lost in Old Point.
You don't have to have seen the "Big Chill" to enjoy seeing the house, but it's highly recommended. Though, the real star of the show is the neighborhood it's in: Old Point. Massive homes filled with hoity-toity folks dot this neighborhood amidst ancient Live Oaks and sporadic views of the water courtesy of the Beaufort County Open Land Trust.
Wander along Bay Street and Waterfront Park.
Lined with shops, restaurants, galleries, and all that, Bay Street has everything a Main Street in America has to offer. Some recommendations? Rhett Gallery, Bay Street Outfitters, and Nevermore Books. Afterwards, do loop on down to Waterfront Park for the views. Though she's gettin' work done (construction), she's still pretty.
Feast and imbibe at Old Bull.
The couple rarely leaves Beaufort without going to Old Bull. It's not just the food, though everything on the menu is *chef's kiss*, it's the atmosphere: legendarily local. Go see for yourself and get a Painkiller and at least four courses.
It's not just any church.
(Wedding Venue)
From walking by to walking down the aisle...
Years before meeting Sascha, Ansley and her family spent many evenings strolling through Old Point, her parents’ Beaufort neighborhood. Their walks often took them past the First African Baptist Church, where they would pause to admire the historic sanctuary and observe the restoration work following the flooding caused by Hurricane Irma. Dating back to 1865, the church has stood for generations as a testament to faith, resilience, and hope. One evening, as the setting sun illuminated its Gothic Revival architecture, Ansley remarked to her mom, “Imagine how beautiful a wedding would be here.” Little did she know.. nearly a decade later, the same parents who once strolled beside her past the church will soon walk beside her down its aisle.
In their words...
(How They Met)
Her side of the story.
"The year is 2019. The app is Bumble. The rules are simple: ladies must send the first message, and if they don't within 24 hours, the man's profile disappears. There I was: 26 years old, only a few weeks into my online dating career, staring at my phone as Bumble reminded me that I had just hours left to message my 'match' - a handsome boy from Mississippi with the decidedly un-Mississippian name of Sascha. I revisit his profile. I swipe through his photos. Herein lies the problem. He’s H-A-W-T. Much too hawt. I sense trouble. I have questions. How many women is this guy dating? How come I've never seen him around town? So, I stall. And stall. Until - poof! - his profile disappears. My time, as promised, has run out. But wait! A notification appears. 'Purchase a Bumble Boost now and reset the clock!' I roll my eyes. Hard. Nice try, Bumble. You think I’m going to spend actual money on this app?
So, in went my credit card details. For $8.99, I yanked this 'Sascha' out of the dating ether and right back into my inbox. After a quick hello, well, I suppose the rest is history. Our second date was the day after our first. Our third was the day after that. Just weeks later, I brought him to meet my parents in Beaufort, a small South Carolina town where they lived part of the year. That first evening, while strolling down Port Republic Street, we stumbled upon an outdoor wedding reception. The guests waved us in; we danced under the stars and confessed, 'I'm in like with you.' (He'll deny saying it, but I assure you, he did.) Beaufort had us ensnared. We kept coming back. During the pandemic, we wandered its quiet streets, searched for ghost crabs, and daydreamed by the tidal creeks. Seasons turned into years. We laughed, cried, fought, forgave, and grew. Beneath ancient, moss-draped oaks, Beaufort quietly bore witness to our story. Now, nearly eight years later, we're bringing our favorite people back beneath that same Lowcountry sky, where we once danced at someone else's wedding. Only this time, we'll be dancing at our own."
His side of the story.
"There I sat at the bar in Artillery, nervous as all hell, waiting on the first date I’d had since moving back to Savannah to walk in. It’s February 2017, and Bumble is the top dawg in dating apps - where we happened to match. It took a couple of weeks to land this date; she left me on read most of that time, of course. During that response purgatory after a night on the town, I pulled out my phone and stared at her profile, overwhelmed with a weird sense of digital destiny - that this person I’ve never met would soon alter my trajectory on this earth. She did eventually respond, but there I sat, waiting again. A stunning woman in a red dress walked in through those Artillery doors, preceded by a gentleman. “Lucky fella,” I thought. Then the woman walked right up to me. 'Hi, I’m Ansley.'
Date two was the next day; I must have done something right. We played Scrabble at Gallery Espresso, kissed in a sudden rain shower at Forsyth, and parted ways. Three weeks later, she took me to a place I’d never been before to meet her parents: Beaufort. Almost a decade I’ve lived in Savannah - how have I not heard of this place? After a raucous dinner with her folks at Old Bull, amidst the live oaks encircling the parking lot behind Lowcountry Produce, we danced at a wedding we were invited to on the spot, in passing, on our way home. My arm around her waist, her head on my chest, I was overwhelmed by the past three weeks. “I like you,” I said. What goober says “I love you” in the first month? I did, the following week. The rest is history, as they often say."
Feeling generous?
(Wedding Registry)
Your presence is the gift.
For those so inclined, the couple’s registry can be found below:*
* Please check back after Friday, November 6 for the wedding registry link to go live
We've got answers.
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What's the attire?
Sascha's answer: "Formal Attire."
Ansley's answer:
Ceremony: Formal Attire
You know the drill. Suits and ties for the gentlemen; elegant fits for the ladies. Think classic and polished, with a preference for darker hues.
Reception: Creative Formalwear, Dramatic Flair Encouraged
If there's one thing for certain, it's that this guest list loves to bring the drama—or, more specifically, wear it. Think Stevie Nicks meets Lana Del Rey at a candlelit Southern soirée, somewhere between Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and The Witching Hour. Dark florals, velvet, lace, silk, jewel tones, heirloom jewels, vintage glamour, and a healthy dose of Southern decadence. The moodier, the better. From cocktail dresses to evening gowns, tailored suits to tuxedos, it's all welcome. Wardrobe changes following the church ceremony are encouraged, but certainly not required. For outfit inspiration, see the bride’s Mood Board:
What addresses do I need to know?
The First African Baptist Church is located at 601 New St in the “Old Point” neighborhood, adjacent to the downtown district. The reception venue, Old Bay Marketplace Loft & Rooftop, is located at 917 Bay St. Look for signage pointing you to the stairs & elevator, as the reception is on the top floor.
Will any events be outdoors?
Except for getting to and from, no, with one exception. The wedding ceremony will take place entirely indoors. The reception venue features a top-floor indoor loft with an adjoining open-air rooftop. Weather permitting, cocktail hour will take place on the rooftop, which will remain accessible throughout the reception. Good ol’ A/C will be keeping things cool throughout both events, so dress for the soirée, not the spring weather (or, bless it, that coastal humidity).
Are children invited?
Small children are welcome at the reception, but are kindly asked to sit out the ceremony. Babysitters booked by the bride & groom will be on hand at the church to keep the little ones entertained during the service. Please indicate how many young'uns you plan on bringing when you fill out your RSVP form.
Can I take photos during the Ceremony?
The bride and groom dream of an unplugged ceremony and kindly request that phones be tucked away, cameras remain down, and picture-taking be left to the professionals. Once the ceremony concludes, feel free to snap away!
Will transportation be provided? Where do I park?
As long as you're staying in downtown Beaufort, everything is within walking distance (weather permitting). The church is just a half-mile from The Beaufort Inn, with street parking available nearby. Carpooling is encouraged, as the church has no dedicated parking lot. The reception is just a short stroll from the Inn, so guests staying downtown can park their cars for the weekend and forget about them! Please note that Uber and Lyft availability can be limited, so plan ahead if you'll need a ride. No shuttle transportation will be provided.
Should I stay at The Beaufort Inn, or will any hotel do?
While there are several lovely hotels and inns nearby, The Beaufort Inn is where most of the action will be all weekend. A Beaufort landmark for over a century, the Inn encompasses nearly an entire block of historic guest rooms, cottages, carriage houses, and suites, all nestled among beautiful courtyards, patios, and twinkling string lights. Many rooms are dog-friendly. That said, anywhere in historic downtown Beaufort will put you within easy walking distance of the festivities!
Can I extend my stay and receive the discounted rate?
Yes! In fact, the bride and groom would love to spend more time with you and will be at the Inn from Thursday, April 15 through Monday, April 19th. When booking your room, call the front desk and let them know you would like to book an extended stay with the discounted rate.
Can I bring a plus-one?
To keep the celebration intimate, the couple has chosen to celebrate with a limited number of their closest family and friends. Unfortunately, this means invitations can only be extended to those guests specifically named. Thank you for understanding and helping make the occasion so special!
Are there any other events aside from the wedding?
As of now, the only official events are Saturday's ceremony and reception, though a few informal gatherings may pop up throughout the weekend (hello, Sunday brunch!) Any such plans will be spread by word of mouth or text as the big day approaches. Given Beaufort's delightfully compact nature, the whole downtown is bound to feel like one big, weekend-long celebration. Chances are, you'll run into a familiar face or two if you venture out into the wild. Need inspiration for more things to do? Check out the couple's recommendations below for things to see and do around Beaufort:
